Tim Buchanan, a 54-year-old father from North Carolina, passed away just minutes after dancing with his daughter at her wedding. Buchanan had flown to Costa Rica to be with his family on his daughter's big day, and he was so excited that he "ignored his body telling him something was wrong," according to his wife. Shortly after the ceremonial father-daughter dance, Buchanan went into cardiac arrest and passed away. Now, his loved ones are using this tragedy as an example of the importance of seeking medical help when something feels wrong.

"The outpouring of love and support from everyone is greatly appreciated," Jeni Buchanan, Tim's wife, wrote on Facebook. "[Tim] should have gone to the doctor, but he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to attend our daughter's wedding. Every one of us wish he was still here and hadn't ignored the signs that something was wrong." She then asked all of her Facebook friends to take care of themselves and their loved ones. And cardiologists couldn't agree more: Self-care is important, especially when your heart is involved.

Though cardiac events often have recognizable symptoms, these symptoms might be different than what people expect, Patricia Vassallo, M.D., cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, tells SELF. For instance, people often associate cardiac arrest with sharp pain, but Vassallo says patients typically describe an uncomfortable squeezing feeling or a heaviness that makes it difficult to breathe, instead. Some people report experiencing pain in their arms or jaw, and others say they simply "don't feel well." Vassallo says things like age, gender, and diabetes can impact how symptoms present themselves—in addition to varying from person to person. And Henry Jennings, M.D., cardiologist at the Vanderbilt Heart Institute, tells SELF that some people unfortunately won't display any symptoms at all.

And when it comes down to it, both Jennings and Vassallo have the same advice: If you're experiencing something out of the ordinary, see a doctor. Physicians can run tests to determine whether patients are at risk for heart problems, and they can also prescribe medication when appropriate. Things like heart-healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management can all be helpful preventative measures to take. But because blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and genetics can all come into play, it's important to consult an expert.

"Time is so important in these matters," Vassallo says. "You can't put it off. A lot of times when people die suddenly, family members say, 'He said he wasn't feeling well.' There's usually something in retrospect." That's why, she says, it's so important to stay aware—without getting too anxious, of course. If you think you might be at risk for heart disease, see a doctor. And if new symptoms start presenting themselves, go see a doctor again—and do so in a timely fashion. "As a cardiologist, you'll get these questions like, 'Is it OK if I got to Florida for three weeks? I've already got a trip planned, so can't we do the tests when I get back?'" Jennings says. "And the answer is no...Your trip might be important, but what's really important is your life."

The Buchanan family couldn't agree more. "If there is anything you can do for us, it is to take care of yourself and your loved ones," Jeni Buchanan wrote in her post. "If we can save just one life with our tragedy, then he can be a hero one more time."